“On the heels of Under Orders, Francis once again proves himself a master. Wow.”—Booklist Max Moreton is a rising culinary star until his guests fall victim to severe food poisoning and then a bomb blast rips through the luncheon he’s catering. Two close calls are too close for comfort, and Max vows to protect his name, and himself, before it’s too late.
Download and start listening now!
"A compelling mystery story, although the writing is not up to the standard of the books written solely by Dick Francis. Nonetheless, having the collaboration of his son helped the aging Francis to add a few more books to his canon, so I, for one, am happy."
— Cynthia (4 out of 5 stars)
" I really liked Dick Francis earliest books, but then he went downhill for a while so I stopped reading them. This was his latest, but not as good as his earlier books. "
— Brian, 2/3/2014" I love Dick Francis. My Mom used to read them all the time, and she got me started. One time I read 5 books of his on 5 days. Good stuff. Hope I can remember titles. "
— Carol, 1/21/2014" It's been a long time since I've read a Dick Francis novel, and I think I have to agree with the reviewer who said 'this isn't Dick Francis.' I did enjoy it, however, most likely because of the 'gimmick' in this one, as I have a background in Food Science. It wasn't as snappy and witty as the old DF but a decent mindless read all the same. "
— Bellarush, 1/17/2014" Another good read from Dick Francis. Simple. Straightforward. Doesn't give you a headache trying to follow the story. "
— Trudy, 1/15/2014" This was a wonderful mystery that had me stumpted the whole time. I love how he incorporates the horse racing world with the culinary world. I will never tire from reading his books. A must read! "
— Elizabeth, 1/12/2014" Haven't read any Francis in a very long time, but see he has some new ones written with his son. Not a great collaboration, I must say. It's OK, and sorta Francis-like, but missing something for sure. Worth a read for Francis-freaks and for others wanting something quick and light, but doesn't hold up to his earlier books (which were pretty light themselves, but had *something* that this doesn't). "
— Craig, 1/8/2014" How great to have Dick Francis back, this time with his son. Best DF in a long time. I sure learned to cook beans well!!!!!!!! Enjoyable. "
— Fran, 1/3/2014" This is the best Dick Francis book I've read and I think I've read most of them! "
— Susan, 1/3/2014" I've read a lot of books by Dick Francis, and I still like them. "
— Jewel, 12/17/2013" I enjoyed this book very much. The Francis men do a great job of creating page turners and interesting protagonists. "
— Beverly, 12/11/2013" good book but slooooooow "
— Thomas, 12/1/2013" All Dick Francis' books are good. This one is full of suspense. "
— Judy, 11/29/2013" When I started this book, I thought to myself with a smile, "Oh yeah, this is why I love to read." Dick Francis is one of my favorite authors. He's like an old friend adn I really like spending time with him. He is now writing with his son. A winning team. "
— Syd, 11/28/2013" Although the book dragged a bit in the middle, the plot was zesty. Humor in this book was great, wry and witty. I don't remember a Francis book with so much humor--perhaps it is because his son is co-author. "
— Cyndee, 11/20/2013" One of Dick Francis's best. The chef and the murder based on tainted food was intriguing.A fine little mystery by Dick and his son, Felix. "
— Lizbonco, 11/16/2013" Max Moreton first tries to find out who is trying to ruin his reputation as a chef and his restaurant, and then who is trying to kill him. "
— Claire, 10/24/2013" Workmanlike Francis. "
— Alan, 10/18/2013" Not bad. Mystery at a horse track. "
— Hazen, 7/9/2013" Greater love hath no man than this a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 That pretty much sums up this book. "
— Karen, 6/4/2013" Another very good Dick Francis read. Great story line and keeps you involved in the whole book. "
— Neville, 5/1/2013" "Read" this as an audio book on a long trip. It served it's purpose, but it didn't turn me into a Dick Francis addict. "
— Sue, 1/6/2013" I love Dick Francis and this book was not disappointing. Quick pace, and interesting, interesting choice of a poisoning agent. "
— Wendroz, 12/1/2012" These mysteries are always set in the English horse racing world. "
— Pmcdnld2, 5/26/2012" Hadn't read a Dick Francis in quite some time. A nice, quick, engaging read. "
— Jo, 4/18/2012" Nancy 4 stars; Ron 0 stars "
— Ron, 4/16/2012" Formulaic but a happy formula for bedtime reading... "
— Jaci, 12/22/2011" Dead heat is the first Dick Francis book, but it will not be the last. "
— Lonnye, 9/22/2011" Dick Francis - a great mystery writer. "
— MaryLou, 9/18/2011" Audio book. Decent book. The chick latched on too tight too quick and the chef is a weird hero. "
— Jake, 5/6/2011" Audio book. Decent book. The chick latched on too tight too quick and the chef is a weird hero. "
— Jake, 5/6/2011" Great book. Liked the main character chef guy. He was used well to unveil a drug scam. That caught me off guard, I would never have guessed the ending.. I give this book a thumbs up! "
— Lilian, 5/3/2011" Dick Francis writes good stories most ex jockeys couldn't but he writes better than most mystery writers too this book is up to his high standards "
— Frank, 4/19/2011" I have read all of Dick Francis' books and have thoroughly enjoyed each and every one. Unfortunately this one leaves alot to be desired - His son Felix co-wrote this book with his dad and the master tale weaving that Dick Francis is so well known for is not in this book. "
— Clare, 4/13/2011" Select Editions Vol. 4, 2008 <br/>Same old Dick Francis stuff, even with his son helping write. Very simply written as if to a child. This one involved a chef and restaurant catering to the race track crowd. "
— Cactuskid2, 4/13/2011" I liked this one but i got bland in points. "
— Kyle, 4/7/2011" horses and food! What more could you want? "
— Kathy, 3/24/2011" Hadn't read a Dick Francis in quite some time. A nice, quick, engaging read. "
— Jo, 3/20/2011" I love Dick Francis. My Mom used to read them all the time, and she got me started. One time I read 5 books of his on 5 days. Good stuff. Hope I can remember titles. "
— Carol, 3/17/2011" There was good character development. The main character gets more confidence by the end. Classic style of Dick Francis, nothing really special but good as always. "
— Natalie, 3/7/2011" Another good read by Dick Francis (with his son, Felix) "
— Carole, 2/1/2011" A really enjoyable Dick Francis mystery. "
— Lisa, 1/1/2011" This was the second Francis book I read. I love how he weaves his stories around Horse Racing. Like the first book of his I read, you keep wanting more. "
— Spencer, 12/21/2010" Read the short version. It was ok. "
— Nancy, 11/18/2010Dick Francis, (1920–2010) a former champion steeplechase jockey, was the author of many bestselling mysteries set in the world of horse racing. The only three-time recipient of the Mystery Writers of America’s Edgar Award for best novel, his awards include the Gold Dagger, the Cartier Diamond Dagger, the MWA’s Grand Master Award for lifetime achievement, an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Tufts University of Boston, and in 2000 he received a Commander of the British Empire (CBE).
Felix Francis is the younger son of popular mystery author Dick Francis, known for his novels set in the world of professional horse racing in Britain. Over the years, Felix assisted with the research of many of the Dick Francis novels, until he finally took a more significant role in the writing, first with Dead Heat and then increasingly with the bestsellers Silks, Even Money, and Crossfire, all father-son collaborations.
Martin Jarvis, OBE, has recorded more than 150 Just William stories for the BBC. These have become international audio bestsellers. He won the Theatre World Award for his starring role on Broadway in By Jeeves; his West End appearances include works by Ayckbourn, Frayn, Pinter, and Wilde. Screen successes include everything from Stargate Atlantis, Doctor Who, and Numb3rs to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and the Oscar-winning Titanic.